Showing papers on "Representation (systemics) published in 1998"

A general framework for object detection

Abstract: This paper presents a general trainable framework for object detection in static images of cluttered scenes. The detection technique we develop is based on a wavelet representation of an object class derived from a statistical analysis of the class instances. By learning an object class in terms of a subset of an overcomplete dictionary of wavelet basis functions, we derive a compact representation of an object class which is used as an input to a support vector machine classifier. This representation overcomes both the problem of in-class variability and provides a low false detection rate in unconstrained environments. We demonstrate the capabilities of the technique in two domains whose inherent information content differs significantly. The first system is face detection and the second is the domain of people which, in contrast to faces, vary greatly in color, texture, and patterns. Unlike previous approaches, this system learns from examples and does not rely on any a priori (hand-crafted) models or motion-based segmentation. The paper also presents a motion-based extension to enhance the performance of the detection algorithm over video sequences. The results presented here suggest that this architecture may well be quite general.

Rapid Plasticity of Human Cortical Movement Representation Induced by Practice

Abstract: Classen, Joseph, Joachim Liepert, Steven P. Wise, Mark Hallett, and Leonardo G. Cohen. Rapid plasticity of human cortical movement representation induced by practice. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 1117–1123...

Techniques for defining, using and manipulating rights management data structures

Abstract: A descriptive data structure provides an abstract representation of a rights management data structure such as a secure container. The abstract representation may describe, for example, the layout of the rights management data structure. It can also provide metadata describing or defining other characteristics of rights management data structure use and/or processing. For example, the descriptive data structure can provide integrity constraints that provide a way to state rules about associated information. The abstract representation can be used to create rights management data structures that are interoperable and compatible with one another. This arrangement preserves flexibility and ease of use without compromising security.

Accessing the discourse representation during reading

Abstract: The process of text comprehension requires the integration of the information in the sentence currently being read with information previously read. This, in turn, implies that information presented earlier in the text must be accessed. We present a view of that access process as one in which concepts and propositions in the discourse representation resonate in response to related elements in the current sentence, initiating a process that makes available a subset of the information in the representation. In support of our position, we summarize the effects of several variables that have been shown to affect the availability of information in the discourse representation, and we describe a simulation model of the hypothesized resonance process, together with the results of several applications of that model.

Graphical network security policy management

Abstract: A method of establishing a representation of an abstract network security policy is disclosed. The representation is established in the form of a decision tree that is constructed by assembling graphical symbols representing policy actions and policy conditions. A user modifies properties of the graphical symbols to create a logical representation of the policy. Concurrently, the logical representation is transformed into a textual script that represents the policy, and the script is displayed as the user works with the logical representation. When the policy representation is saved, the script is translated into machine instructions that govern the operation of a network gateway or firewall. The policy representation is named. The policy representation may be applied to other network devices or objects by moving an icon identifying the representation over an icon representing the network device. Policies, network objects, and network services are stored in the form of trees.

On the Representation of Context

Abstract: This paper revisits some foundational questions concerning the abstract representation of a discourse context. The context of a conversation is represented by a body of information that is presumed to be shared by the participants in the conversation – the information that the speaker presupposes a point at which a speech act is interpreted. This notion is designed to represent both the information on which context-dependent speech acts depend, and the situation that speech acts are designed to affect, and so to be a representation of context that is appropriate for explaining the interaction of context and the contents expressed in them. After reviewing the motivating ideas and the outlines of the apparatus, the paper responds to a criticism of the framework, and considers the way it can help to clarify some phenomena concerning pronouns with indefinite antecedents.

Text Classification Using WordNet Hypernyms

Abstract: This paper describes experiments in Machine Learning for text classification using a new representation of text based on WordNet hypernyms. Six binary classification tasks of varying difficulty are defined, and the Ripper system is used to produce discrimination rules for each task using the new hypernym density representation. Rules are also produced with the commonly used bag-of-words representation, incorporating no knowledge from WordNet. Experiments show that for some of the more difficult tasks the hypernym density representation leads to significantly more accurate and more comprehensible rules.

Object-based geographic information system (GIS)

Abstract: The present invention is a GIS system in which topological information is classified as geometrical objects and uses a region identifier and a geometry attribute to reconstruct each topological feature. The present invention starts from the geometrical objects representing topological features. Each geometrical object has an entry including a region identifier attribute and a geometry attribute defining the geometry of a complete representation of the feature. These geometrical objects are complete in that an entry of the object attribute includes a record for a geometry attribute defining the complete geometry of a complete representation of a topological feature. These complete geometrical objects need not inherit attributes from other objects. The objects are classified as either a polygon object, polyline object, point object or raster object and stored in a respective object-based database. Using this data structure, a topological region can be displayed in real time by accessing this object-based data structure and loading the data structure associated with the topological region into a buffer. The geometrical objects associated with the topological region are then fetched from the buffer and loaded into a virtual blackboard. The fetched geometrical objects are then drawn on a display in real time.

System and method for retrieving entities and integrating data

Abstract: A data integration system and method gathers information dynamically from one or more data sources, which may be located at different servers and have incompatible formats, structures the information into a configurable, object-oriented information model, and outputs the information for the user according to an associated, configurable visual representation with automatic content classification.

Toward direct visualization of the internal shape representation space by fMRI

Abstract: Reports of columnar organization of the macaque inferotemporal cortex (Tanaka, 1992, 1993a) indicate that ensembles of cells responding to particular objects may be both sufficiently extensive and properly localized to allow their detection and discrimination by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). A recently developed theory of object representation by ensembles of coarsely tuned units (Edelman, 1998; Edelman & Duvdevani-Bar, 1997b) and its implementation as a computer model of recognition and categorization (Cutzu & Edelman, 1998; Edelman & Duvdevani-Bar, 1997a) provide a computational framework in which such findings can be interpreted in a straightforward fashion. Taken together, these developments in the study of object representation and recognition suggest that direct visualization of the internal representations may be easier than was previously thought. In this paper, we show how fMRI techniques can be used to investigate the internal representation of objects in the human visual cortex. Our initial results reveal that the activation of most voxels in object-related areas remains unaffected by a coarse scrambling of the natural images used as stimuli and that a map of the representation space of object categories in individual subjects can be derived from the distributed pattern of voxel activation in those areas.

Representation of spectral and temporal sound features in three cortical fields of the cat. Similarities outweigh differences.

Abstract: Eggermont, Jos J. Representation of spectral and temporal sound features in three cortical fields of the cat. Similarities outweigh differences. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 2743–2764, 1998. This study inv...

Generative constraint-based configuration of large technical systems

Abstract: This paper describes the technical principles and representation behind the constraint-based, automated configurator COCOS. Traditionally, representation methods for technical configuration have focused either on reasoning about structure of systems or quantity of components, which is not satisfactory in many target areas that need both. Starting from general requirements on configuration systems, we have developed an extension of the standard CSP model. The constraint-based approach allows a simple system architecture, and a declarative description of the different types of configuration knowledge. Knowledge bases are described in terms of a component-centered knowledge base written in an object-oriented representation language with semantics directly based on the underlying constraint model. The approach combines a simple, declarative representation with the ability to configure large-scale systems and is in use for actual production applications.

Object representation, identity, and the paradox of early permanence

Abstract: The sensorimotor theory of infancy has been overthrown, but there is little consensus on a replacement. We hypothesize that a capacity for representation is the starting point for infant development, not its culmination. Logical distinctions are drawn between object representation, identity, and permanence. Modern experiments on early object permanence and deferred imitation suggest: (a) even for young infants, representations persist over breaks in sensory contact, (b) numerical identity of objects (Os) is initially specified by spatiotemporal criteria (place and trajectory), (c) featural and functional identity criteria develop, (d) events are analyzed by comparing representations to current perception, and (e) representation operates both prospectively, anticipating future contacts with an O, and retrospectively, reidentifying an O as the \"same one again.\" A model of the architecture and functioning of the early representational system is proposed. It accounts for young infants' behavior toward absent people and things in terms of their efforts to determine the identity of objects. Our proposal is developmental without denying innate structure and elevates the power of perception and representation while being cautious about attributing complex concepts to young infants.

The Validity of Games

Abstract: One way to deal with complex situations is the simulation approach: build a simplified model of this reality, learn from this simplified model, and, finally, translate the findings or knowledge back to the reality. Gaming is based on this idea. If we want to make inferences about reality based on experiences and knowledge acquired in a game, we have to be sure that the game model is a good, or valid, representation of the real situation. In this article, the concept of validity is explored in relation to games and simulations; four aspects of validity that apply to simulations and games are distinguished. These aspects are related to three applications of games. The article concludes with factors that may threaten validity during the process of the game design; a few suggestions are made to avert these threats.

OBJECT REPRESENTATION, IDENTITY, AND THE PARADOX OF EARLY PERMANENCE: Steps Toward a New Framework.

Abstract: The sensorimotor theory of infancy has been overthrown, but there is little consensus on a replacement. We hypothesize that a capacity for representation is the starting point for infant development, not its culmination. Logical distinctions are drawn between object representation, identity, and permanence. Modern experiments on early object permanance and deferred imitation suggest: (a) even for young infants, representations persist over breaks in sensory contact, (b) numerical identity of objects ( O s) is initially specified by spatiotemporal criteria (place and trajectory), (c) featural and functional identity criteria develop, (d) events are analyzed by comparing representations to current perception, and (e) representation operates both prospectively, anticipating future contacts with an O , and retrospectively, reidentifying an O as the “same one again”. A model of the architecture and functioning of the early representational system is proposed. It accounts for young infants' behavior toward absent people and things in terms of their efforts to determine the identity of objects. Our proposal is developmental without denying innate structure and elevates the power of perception and representation while being cautious about attributing complex concepts to young infants.

Representation and management of feature information in a cellular model

Abstract: Many limitations in current feature modelling systems are inherited from the geometric representation they use for the product model. Both a very rigid and a very extensive representation are unsuitable for feature applications, at least if no convenient support is provided to manage the data. This paper describes a cellular representation for feature models that contains all the relevant information to effectively solve a variety of current problems in feature modelling. Much benefit is gained from a coherent integration between shapes of a feature model and cells in the cellular model. Every feature shape has an explicit volumetric representation in terms of cells. Specific subsets of its boundary are also distinguished in terms of cell faces and edges. Feature interactions are maintained in attributes of cells, cell faces and cell edges. Methods for modifying and querying the cellular model are presented, and their application is illustrated for feature validity maintenance, feature interaction management, feature conversion between multiple views, and feature visualization.

Ontological Tools for Geographic Representation

Abstract: This paper is concerned with certain ontological issues in the foundations of geographic representation. It sets out what these basic issues are, describes the tools needed to deal with them, and draws some implications for a general theory of spatial representation. Our approach has ramifications in the domains of mereology, topology, and the theory of location, and the question of the interaction of these three domains within a unified spatial representation theory is addressed. In the final part we also consider the idea of non-standard geographies, which may be associated with geography under a classical conception in the same sense in which non-standard logics are associated with classical logic.

Finding Surface Correspondance for Object Recognition and Registration Using Pairwise Geometric Histograms

Abstract: Pairwise geometric histograms have been demonstrated as an effective descriptor of arbitrary 2-dimensional shape which enable robust and efficient object recognition in complex scenes. In this paper we describe how the approach can be extended to allow the representation and classification of arbitrary 2 1/2- and 3-dimensional surface shape. This novel representation can be used in important vision tasks such as the recognition of objects with complex free-form surfaces and the registration of surfaces for building 3-dimensional models from multiple views. We apply this new representation to both of these tasks and present some promising results.

Graphical action invocation method, and associated method, for a computer system

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, provides iconic representations of actions available to be performed upon an object of a particular datatype. The iconic representations are displayed, for instance, as part of a toolbar on a computer display. A representation of an object upon which an action is to be performed is dragged-and-dropped upon the iconic representation of the selected action to invoke that action upon both the dropped object and the object of a particular datatype.

Representation of Intermolecular Potential Functions by Neural Networks

Abstract: We have investigated how a neural network representation of intermolecular potential functions can be used to elevate some of the problems commonly encountered during fitting and application of ana...